Adjustable sanding block

ABSTRACT

An adjustable sanding block that allows for expedited interchanging of sandpaper belts by removing a lateral tension on the belt and reducing the length of the sanding block. A spring loaded heel and a block make up the sanding block, forming a coplanar relationship with opposed inner ends. A rod and spring on the block create a lateral tension against a recess in the heel that retains the belt on the sanding block. The rod and the spring extend from a block inner end, engaging a recess in the heel. The rod passes through the recess, while the spring, having a larger circumference, compresses against a periphery of the recess. This compressive force creates an outward lateral force, which creates lateral tension on the belt for retaining the belt on the sanding block. Applying an inward pressure on the heel removes this tension for mounting and removing the belt.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a sanding block. More so, the sanding block allows for expedited interchanging of sandpaper belts by depressing a spring loaded heel to reduce the length of the sanding block and remove a lateral tension for mounting and removing the sandpaper belt.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.

The following is an example of a specific aspect in the prior art that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon. By way of educational background, another aspect of the prior art generally useful to be aware of is that a sanding block is a block used to hold sandpaper to remove small amounts of material from surfaces, to make them smoother, to remove a layer of material, or to make the surface rougher. The sanding block may include a block of wood or cork with one smooth flat side. A user may wrap the sandpaper around the block, and holds it in place through various fastening means. Sanding blocks are helpful because they prevent the waves created by plain sandpaper.

Typically, sanding blocks may utilize clips, teeth or clamps to hold the paper in place. Commercial versions can be constructed of various materials. They are usually sized to hold a quarter or half sheet of sandpaper. Some versions use the sandpaper belts intended for a power belt sander.

In many instances, a dowel is a solid cylindrical rod, usually made of wood, plastic, or metal. Dowel rods are often cut into short lengths called dowel pins. Dowels are employed in numerous, diverse applications including as axles in toys, detents, and structural reinforcements in cabinet making.

In many instances, when using a sanding block, a flat piece of sandpaper is bent around the edges of a sanding block body. This results in waste of the sandpaper at the bent edges. In addition, after the surface is worn out, the sandpaper piece must be taken off the block and readjusted, but only, if there are any fresh portions available and if the flat piece of sandpaper still has adequate edges to be bent over the sanding block. Efficiently and quickly interchanging the sandpaper belt is important in the construction industry.

Even though the above cited sanding blocks address some of the needs of the market, a sanding block that allows for expedited interchanging of sandpaper belts by depressing a spring loaded heel to reduce the length of the sanding block for mounting and removing the sandpaper belt is still desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed to a sanding block that is efficacious for mounting and removing a continuous sanding belt through the use of a lateral tension between a spring loaded heel and a block. The sanding block allows for expedited interchanging of sandpaper belts by depressing a spring loaded heel to reduce the length of the sanding block and remove a lateral tension on the belt for facilitated mounting and removing of the belt.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the sanding block carries a continuous sandpaper belt. A spring loaded heel and a block form a coplanar relationship with opposed inner ends. A rod and spring positioned on the inner ends create a lateral tension against the heel and the block that helps retain the belt on the sanding block. Specifically, the heel and the block are pressed together so their inner ends are in abutting relationship, and once the sanding belt is in place, the holding lateral force is released so that the sanding block and the heel can move apart to provide tension on the sanding belt.

In some embodiments, a self-retaining fastener provides a means to operatively interconnect the heel and the block. The self-retaining fastener may include a spring that forms a helix around a rod, operable to create a lateral tension on the adjustable sanding block, and thereby the belt. The rod extends from the inner end of the block, while the recess aligns with the rod from the inner end of the heel. Applying an inward lateral force on the heel at least partially moves the rod and spring into engagement with the recess. Consequently, the length of the sanding block is reduced for facilitated mounting of the belt around the sanding block. However, since the circumference of the spring is slightly greater than the circumference of the recess, the spring cannot enter the recess with the rod, and thereby compresses. This compressive force on the spring creates a lateral tension between the heel and the block that forces them away from each other in a relative motion. In this manner, the tensioned belt securely mounts around the sanding block during operation. Applying an inward lateral force on the heel releases the lateral tension on the belt such that the belt may be removed for replacement.

A first aspect of the present invention provides an adjustable sanding block for mounting and removing a belt, the sanding block comprising:

-   -   a block and a heel being disposed in a coplanar relationship and         having opposed inner ends, the belt being configured to at least         partially encompass the block and the heel simultaneously, the         heel inner end comprising a recess,     -   the block inner end comprising a rod, the rod being disposed to         extend from the block inner end and at least partially enter the         recess, the rod comprising a spring, the spring being configured         to have a greater circumference than a circumference of the         recess,     -   wherein the rod at least partially entering the recess presses         the spring against a periphery of the recess causing the spring         to bias the block away from the heel for applying a tension to         the belt,     -   wherein an inward lateral force applied to the heel compresses         the spring for releasing the tension applied on the belt.

In a second aspect, a lateral tension on the belt is removed to facilitate mounting and replacing the belt to the sanding block. The lateral tension is created by a rod and spring positioned on the inner ends of the block. The rod at least partially enters a recess in the inner end of the heel, while the spring, with a larger circumference, compresses against the recess to generate a compressive force. The spring compressive force transfers to create a lateral tension on the belt, which helps secure the belt onto the sanding block. This lateral tension can be released by pressing the heel inwardly such that the length of the sanding block is shortened for facilitated removal of the belt.

In yet another aspect, the heel and the block are incongruent in length. The block may be at least twice the length of the heel. However, in other embodiments, the heel may have a greater length than the block. The length of each respective side does not affect the respective inner end mechanisms that create the lateral tension.

In another aspect, the spring forms a helix configuration around the rod such that the rod moves freely within the spring. The spring also comprises a circumference greater than the recess circumference such that an inward lateral force moves the rod through the recess, while the spring compresses. The spring compressive energy presses outwardly against both inner ends of the heel and the block to create a lateral tension on the encompassing belt.

In yet another aspect, pressing the heel inwardly removes the lateral tension and reduces the length of the sanding block for facilitated mounting and removal of the belt.

In yet another aspect, the heel and the block form a single sanding block unit whether the belt encompasses them or not. While carrying the belt, the lateral tension of the belt and alignment from the rod passing through the recess holds the heel and the block in proximity. However, even without the belt, the rod may include ridges that grip an inner surface of the recess for attaching the heel to the block.

One objective of the present invention is to conserve the time and energy interchanging belts on a sanding block by providing an efficient spring loaded interaction between a heel and a block that comprise the sanding block.

Another objective of the present invention is to minimize waves in the belt contour by providing sufficient lateral tension on the belt for an enhanced sanding operation.

These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a detailed perspective view of an adjustable sanding block, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a sectioned side view of an adjustable sanding block with a rod and spring engaging a recess, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 3 illustrates a method for installing a belt on an adjustable sanding block, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturing techniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a reference to “a step” or “a means” is a reference to one or more steps or means and may include sub-steps and subservient means. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

An adjustable sanding block 100 is described in FIGS. 1 through 3. One novel feature of the adjustable sanding block 100 includes an adjustable sanding block 100 that is efficacious to mount and remove a continuous sanding belt 206 through the use of a lateral tension 204 between a spring loaded heel 102 and a block 104. In one embodiment, the sanding block 100 allows for expedited interchanging of a sandpaper belt 206 by depressing a spring loaded heel 102 to reduce the length of the sanding block 100 and remove a lateral tension 204 on the belt 206 for facilitated mounting and removing of the belt 206.

FIG. 1 illustrates a detailed perspective view of an adjustable sanding block 100, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the sanding block 100 is utilized to carry a belt 206. The belt 206 may include, without limitation, a continuous sandpaper belt, a sandpaper strip, a heavy paper with abrasive material attached to a surface, and a coated abrasive used to remove small amounts of material from surfaces, to make them smoother, to remove a layer of material, or to make the surface rougher.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a spring loaded heel 102 and a block 104 may form a coplanar relationship with opposed inner ends. The heel 102 and the block 104 may each comprise a substantially rectangular shape. However, in other embodiments, the heel 102 may include a rounded external end, and the block 104 may include an angled external end efficacious for gripping. Suitable materials for fabricating the heel 102 and the block 104 may include, without limitation, wood, cork, high density polymers, polyurethane, fiberglass, aluminum, and metal alloys.

A rod 106 and spring 108 positioned on the inner ends of the heel 102 and the block 104 press outwardly on each to create a lateral tension 204 on the belt 206 that helps retain the belt 206 on the sanding block 100. In some embodiments, the heel 102 and the block 104 press together such that their inner ends are in abutting relationship, and once the belt 206 is in place, the holding lateral force is released so that the sanding block 100 and the heel 102 can move apart to provide the lateral tension 204 on the belt 206.

In one embodiment, a self-retaining fastener provides a means to operatively interconnect the heel 102 and the block 104. The self-retaining fastener may include a spring 108 that forms a helix around a rod 106, operable to create a lateral tension 204 on the adjustable sanding block 100, and thereby the belt 206. The rod 106 and spring 108 extend from the inner end of the block 104.

In one embodiment, the rod 106 and the spring 108 includes a pair of dowel pins having a spring 108 that forms a helix around each dowel pin. The dowel pin may further include ridges. A recess 202 rests in the inner end of the heel 102. In one embodiment, the recess 202 includes a pair of dowel pin seats sized and dimensioned to receive the pair of dowel pins. The pair of dowel pin seats comprises a circumference smaller than the spring 108. In this manner, the dowel pin moves freely through the dowel pin seat, while the spring 108 compresses upon engagement with a periphery of the dowel pin seat. In some embodiments, the dowel pin seat aligns with the dowel pin to help form a coplanar relationship between the heel 102 and the block 104.

In one embodiment, an inner surface of the recess 202 may be configured to grip the ridges from the rod 106. In this manner, the heel 102 and the block 104 form a single sanding block 100, whether the belt 206 encompasses them or not. For example, while carrying the belt 206, the lateral tension 204 of the belt 206 and alignment from the rod 106 passing through the recess 202 holds the heel 102 and the block 104 in proximity. However, even without the belt 206, the rod 106 may include ridges that grip an inner surface of the recess 202 for attaching the heel 102 to the block 104.

In one embodiment, applying an inward lateral force on the heel 102 at least partially moves the rod 106 and spring 108 into engagement with the recess 202. Consequently, the length of the sanding block 100 is reduced for facilitated mounting of the belt 206 around the sanding block 100. However, since the circumference of the spring 108 is slightly greater than the circumference of the recess 202, the spring 108 cannot enter the recess 202, and thereby compresses. This compressive force on the spring 108 creates the lateral tension 204 between the heel 102 and the block 104 that forces them away from each other in a relative motion. In this manner, the tensioned belt 206 securely mounts around the sanding block 100 during operation. Applying an inward lateral force on the heel 102 releases the lateral tension 204 on the belt 206 such that the belt 206 may be removed for replacement.

In some embodiments, the heel 102 and the block 104 are incongruent in length. The block 104 may be at least twice the length of the heel 102. However, in other embodiments, the heel 102 may have a greater length than the block 104. The length of each respective side does not affect the respective inner end mechanisms that create the lateral tension 204.

FIG. 2 illustrates a sectioned side view of an adjustable sanding block 100 with a rod 106 and spring 108 engaging a recess 202, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, a lateral tension 204 may be removed from the belt 206 to facilitate mounting and replacing the belt 206 to the sanding block 100. The lateral tension 204 is created by a rod 106 and spring 108 positioned on the inner ends of the block 104. The rod 106 at least partially enters a recess 202 in the inner end of the heel 102, while the spring 108, with a larger circumference, compresses against the recess 202 to generate a compressive force. The spring 108 compressive force transfers to create the lateral tension 204 on the belt 206, which helps secure the belt 206 onto the sanding block 100. This lateral tension 204 can be released by pressing the heel 102 inwardly such that the length of the sanding block 100 is shortened for facilitated removal of the belt 206.

In some embodiments, the spring 108 forms a helix configuration around the rod 106 such that the rod 106 moves freely within the spring 108. The spring 108 also comprises a circumference greater than the recess 202 circumference such that an inward lateral force moves the rod 106 through the recess 202, while the spring 108 compresses. The spring 108 compressive energy presses outwardly against both inner ends of the heel 102 and the block 104 to create a lateral tension 204 on the encompassing belt 206.

The adjustable sanding block 100 comprises a method that is designed to mount and remove a continuous sanding belt 206 through the use of lateral tension 204 between a spring loaded heel 102 and a block 104. Details of a method 300 for installing a belt 206 on an adjustable sanding block 100 are illustrated in FIG. 3. In operation, the method 300 includes an initial Step 302 of orienting a heel 102 and a block 104 in a coplanar relationship and opposing inner ends. The heel 102 and the block 104 form a coplanar relationship with opposed inner ends. The heel 102 includes a rounded external end, and the block 104 includes an angled external end efficacious for gripping. The inner ends are oriented to face each other for engaging the mechanisms of the sanding block 100.

A next Step 304 comprises applying an inward lateral force on the heel 102. The heel 102 is pushed inwardly towards the block 104. The method 300 then moves on to a Step 306 of passing a rod 106 that extends from the block 104 through a recess 202 in the heel 102 to compress a spring 108 that forms a helix around the rod 106. The rod 106 may include a pair of dowel pins that move freely in and out of a pair of seats in the heel inner end. A next Step 308 includes releasing the lateral tension 204 on the belt 206 as a consequence of the compression of the spring 108. The belt 206 may be biased to detach from the sanding block 100 upon removal of the lateral tension 204. The method 300 may then proceed to a Step 310 of removing the belt 206 from the sanding block 100, whereby the removal of the lateral tension 204 and the reduction in the length of the sanding block 100 work to facilitate removal of the continuous belt 206.

In one embodiment, a subsequent Step 312 comprises mounting a second belt onto the sanding block 100. After the belt 206 is removed, the sanding block 100 is empty, and therefore available to carry the second belt. A next Step 314 removing the inward lateral force on the heel 102 by releasing the heel 102. Depressing the heel 102 allows the spring 108 compressive force to expand the sanding block 100 outwardly. A final Step 316 includes creating the tension on the belt 206 for secure mounting to the sanding block 100. The lateral tension 204 helps minimize waves on the belt 206 for enhanced sanding operations.

Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence.

The substitute specification includes no new matter. 

I claim:
 1. An adjustable sanding block for mounting and removing a belt, the sanding block comprising: a block and a heel being disposed in a coplanar relationship and having opposed inner ends, the belt being configured to at least partially encompass the block and the heel simultaneously, the heel inner end comprising a recess, the block inner end comprising a rod, the rod being disposed to extend from the block inner end and at least partially enter the recess, the rod comprising a spring, the spring being configured to have a greater circumference than a circumference of the recess, wherein the rod at least partially entering the recess presses the spring against a periphery of the recess causing the spring to bias the block away from the heel for applying a tension to the belt, wherein a lateral force applied inwardly to the heel compresses the spring for releasing the tension applied on the belt.
 2. The sanding block of claim 1, wherein the block has a substantially rectangular shape.
 3. The sanding block of claim 1, wherein the length of the block is greater than the length of the heel.
 4. The sanding block of claim 1, wherein the belt comprises a continuous grit belt for sanding.
 5. The sanding block of claim 1, wherein the spring is configured to form a substantially helix shape around the rod.
 6. The sanding block of claim 1, wherein the spring comprises a circumference greater than the circumference of the recess.
 7. The sanding block of claim 1, wherein the recess comprises a dowel pin seat.
 8. The sanding block of claim 1, wherein the rod comprises a dowel pin.
 9. The sanding block of claim 1, wherein the heel inner end comprises two recesses.
 10. The sanding block of claim 1, wherein the block inner end comprises two rods.
 11. An adjustable sanding block for mounting and removing a belt, the sanding block comprising: a pair of coplanar blocks disposed in a coplanar relationship and having opposed inner ends for selectively carrying a belt over one coplanar side of the coplanar blocks, the belt being removably attached thereto; a spring mechanism in one of the block inner ends to urge one block into spaced apart relationship; and a spring reception mechanism in the other block inner end to engage the spring mechanism; wherein applying an inward lateral force to one of the blocks engages the spring mechanism with the spring reception mechanism to shorten the length of the sanding block for mounting and removing the continuous belt.
 12. The sanding block of claim 11, wherein the belt comprises a continuous grit belt for sanding.
 13. The sanding block of claim 11, wherein the pair of coplanar blocks has a substantially rectangular shape.
 14. A method for mounting and removing a belt on an adjustable sanding block, the method comprising: orienting a heel and a block in a coplanar relationship and opposing inner ends; applying an inward lateral force on the heel; passing a rod that extends from the block through a recess in the heel to compress a spring that forms a helix around the rod; releasing a tension on the belt as a consequence of the compression of the spring; removing the belt from the sanding block; mounting a second belt onto the sanding block; removing the inward lateral force on the heel; and creating the tension on the belt for secure mounting to the sanding block. 